Job Opportunity: National Symphony Orchestra is Hiring Section Leaders

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The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has Section Leader vacancies for french horn, double bass, percussion and timpani.

How to Apply: Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (attached as one document) via the online application process.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023.

Auditions will be held in Dublin, date to be confirmed. For further details regarding the NSO and to apply online, please click here.

The National Symphony Orchestra, a major keystone of Ireland’s cultural and musical heritage, is in an exciting phase of growth, development and change with significant Government investment, having transferred from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall (NCH) in 2022. The NCH is putting the NSO at the heart of its’ programme, fostering its development and reputation as Irelands’ nationally and internationally respected Symphony Orchestra.The NSO performs a season of over seventy events per annum at the National Concert Hall in Dublin as well as undertaking a touring programme, family concerts and a range of commercial opportunities. In addition, NSO produces broadcasts, film and audio recordings as well as educational concerts and events. A number of exciting permanent roles are being advertised as part of the development plan for the NSO.

Purpose of role: Providing the highest standard of solo and orchestral playing, and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra.To effectively lead and manage the double bass section, providing feedback and dealing with issues as they arise. To succeed in this role you mustbe a team player, committed to playing a full role in the life of the Orchestra.This is a dynamic work environment and the successful candidate must be able to work calmly and efficiently in these situations, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Role Location: Based at the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2.Due to the nature of this role considerable travel will be required on an ongoing basis to accommodate the orchestra and its programming commitments together with other business requirements both nationally and touring overseas.

Reports to: General Manager NSO & Choirs

Key Responsibilities

  • To lead and manage the section effectively and to share responsibility with the management for the performance of players within the section
  • To have excellent solo and orchestral playing abilities, maintaining the highest musical standards.
  • To be an effective and committed team player and to play a full role in the life of the Orchestra.
  • Maintain the high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra
  • Familiarise oneself with the relevant parts, in advance of the first rehearsal and performances
  • Support professionally all other section leaders and all other members of the NSO
  • Take direction regarding style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm
  • Foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes
  • Develop and support positive working relationships with all other members of the Orchestra, and any freelance players engaged by the Orchestra
  • To have effective people and performance management skills including the ability to give constructive feedback and deal with sensitive issues
  • To be a role model for NCH Values and to work in accordance with the NCH/SIPTU/MUI Agreement and all other NCH policies and guidelines
  • Participate in audition panels if required (to include writing audition reports), trial assessment meetings, orchestral and artistic meetings as required with due regard for confidentiality
  • Engage in the general activities of the Orchestra, such as attendance at relevant meetings, promotional activity, outreach and education work, and to act as an ambassador for the NSO during these activities
  • To work in accordance with NCH Health and Safety guidelines and policy

Person Specification

  • Significant experience, in a numbered position, ideally in a symphonic environment
  • 3rd level qualification in performance or equivalent experience
  • Excellent professional orchestral and solo playing abilities including excellent technical and manual dexterity, intonation and rhythmic stability.
  • Knowledge of the range of repertoire of the National Symphony Orchestra.
  • Ability to work collaboratively to inspire and contribute to performances that meet the highest musical standards by providing artistic direction and by motivating members of the section.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop harmonious working relationships with a diverse range of people
  • Demonstrates commitment to maintain the reputation of the Orchestra.
  • Participates actively as part of a diverse team and supportive of colleagues.
  • Demonstrates respect for others by being fully prepared and ready to play at the start of every session.
  • Ability to plan ahead in order to prepare parts, organise allocations and to make the best use of the resources available.
  • Strong mental and physical discipline – travel, rehearsal, live performance in concert (radio/TV) and recording sessions and anti-social working hours.
  • Awareness of health and safety issues

Working Week:

The standard working week applying to this role is 33hrs per week/ 66hrs net per fortnight.The NSO has a 7-day liability including weekends and public holidays and therefore flexibility is essential. There will a requirement for the post holder to work in other locations outside of the National Concert Hall, Dublin 2.

Annual Leave: 24 days scheduled by management. Pension Details: Single Public Sector Pension Scheme. Probation: The probationary period is nine months which may be extended to 12 months at management discretion. Remuneration: The Section Leader salary scale applies; min €51,717 – max €60,656.

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